New Puppy and Kitten Wellness Examination Protocol Checklist

Pediatric wellness visits establish the foundation for a lifetime of preventive care. This checklist ensures all core preventive services, client education, and documentation are completed at each puppy and kitten visit.

  • Industry: Veterinary
  • Frequency: Per Wellness Visit
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Veterinarian / Veterinary Technician
  • Total Items: 36

Physical Examination

Complete physical examination findings.

  • Weight recorded and plotted on growth curve?
  • Temperature recorded?
  • All body systems examined: eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, musculoskeletal?
  • Congenital defects screening performed (umbilical hernia, cleft palate, undescended testicles)?
  • Body condition score assessed and appropriate?
  • Pain or discomfort assessment performed?

Vaccination Protocol

Administer vaccines per age-appropriate schedule.

  • Core vaccines administered per AAHA or AAFP age-appropriate schedule?
  • Vaccine brand, lot number, expiration, route, and anatomical site documented?
  • Client informed of vaccine adverse reaction signs and monitoring instructions?
  • Next vaccine due date communicated to client and entered in reminder system?
  • Lifestyle vaccines discussed: bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme, feline leukemia?
  • Client consent for vaccines documented?

Parasite Prevention

Screen and counsel on parasite prevention.

  • Fecal flotation performed or fecal sample submitted?
  • Appropriate deworming given based on age, fecal results, and CAPC guidelines?
  • Heartworm prevention prescribed and dispensed?
  • Flea and tick prevention recommended and prescribed?
  • Heartworm antigen test performed for dogs over 7 months of age?
  • Client counseled on zoonotic parasite risks (Toxocara, Toxoplasma)?

Microchip and Identification

Ensure permanent identification is placed.

  • Microchip placement offered and discussed?
  • Microchip placed if accepted?
  • Microchip number recorded in medical record?
  • Client instructed to register microchip with national database?
  • All patients scanned for existing microchip at intake?
  • ID tag with current contact information recommended?

Client Education

Provide comprehensive client education.

  • Appropriate puppy or kitten nutrition discussed?
  • Spay or neuter timing and benefits discussed?
  • Socialization and behavior guidance provided?
  • Dental home care and professional dental cleanings discussed?
  • Common household toxins discussed: chocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies?
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control number (888-426-4435) provided to client?

Documentation

Complete wellness visit documentation.

  • SOAP note completed with all findings and treatments?
  • Vaccine certificate provided to client?
  • Reminder system updated for next vaccines and parasite prevention refills?
  • Printed discharge instructions provided to client?
  • Weight trend documented to assess growth at each visit?
  • Follow-up appointment scheduled?

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Why Use This New Puppy and Kitten Wellness Examination Protocol Checklist?

This new puppy and kitten wellness examination protocol checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / veterinary technician professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per wellness visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the New Puppy and Kitten Wellness Examination Protocol Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Physical Examination, Vaccination Protocol, Parasite Prevention, Microchip and Identification, Client Education, Documentation. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per wellness visit. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this New Puppy and Kitten Wellness Examination Protocol Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Veterinary Technician professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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